What does "TKO" stand for in the context of IV fluid administration?

The abbreviation "TKO" stands for "To keep open" in the context of intravenous (IV) fluid administration. This term is commonly used in medical settings to indicate that a peripheral IV line should remain open with a minimal rate of fluid infusion. The purpose of keeping the IV line open is to ensure that it remains patent, allowing for easy access for medication administration or fluid replacement as needed.

Maintaining an IV line as "TKO" is crucial in various clinical scenarios, such as when a patient needs to receive intermittent intravenous medications without completely stopping the flow of fluids. It helps avoid complications associated with IV disconnection or blockage, which can occur if the line is not actively maintained. The TKO rate is usually very low and is often set at around 10 to 30 mL per hour, depending on institutional protocols, to keep the line patent without delivering a significant volume of fluids.